The Observer

Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy Lily Schorr, Student Life (WASHU)

They did it.

For the second-straight season, Case went undefeated during the regular season. This last victory came against long-time UAA powerhouse Washington University in St. Louis on their field. Going into the game, the Spartans were 9-0 with everything on the line. The victory accomplished two goals the team set at the beginning of the year: win the UAA title and make the playoffs.



"The game was huge because it allowed us to get back into the playoffs. 10-0 means a lot to a lot of people, but the important thing is we won our conference and we're back in the playoffs," said quarterback Dan Whalen.

You can throw away the records when Case and WashU meet; it's always a competitive game. This matchup was no different. Thankfully for Case, it took the WashU defense a couple of drives to get settled. The Spartans scored on their second drive of the game via a 9-yard rush from running back Derek Bush. Case moved the ball effectively during the first quarter for 95 yards, but failed to convert any other drives into points. The Case defense remained strong, only relinquishing 25 net yards during the quarter.

As the Bears' defense clamped down, both teams struggled offensively. Whalen was sacked twice and threw two interceptions during the second quarter. Additionally, Sam Coffey's 37-yard field goal attempt was blocked after a promising 12-play, 53-yard drive. Stingy defense allowed Case to stay ahead. At the half, the Case defense only gave up 54 yards and had three sacks, one by senior Brian Calderone and two by freshman Dale English, both defensive lineman.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle for both squads. Case outgained Wash U 67 -8 in the quarter, but neither team produced any points. Safety Mike Pelyak had an interception on Wash U's second drive of the half. Although Case got the ball on the Wash U 38 yard line, the offense failed to produce points.

Case had the ball to start the fourth quarter and scored on a 45-yard field goal by Sam Coffey. Jumpstarted by their last drive, Case scored the final points of the game on their next possession. Dan Whalen rushed in from one yard out, putting the final score at 17-0. To put the icing on the cake, Safety Brad Paramore intercepted a pass to end the game.

Leading the way on the ground for the Spartans was Grey Meyer, who carried the ball 12 times for 68 yards. Shaun Nicely led the team in catches with four and tied Tim Cowdrick for the lead in yards with 30. Defensively, Lee Sasala led the team in tackles with seven.

Once again, Case hosts a first round playoff game. Having earned the number three seed in the North region, Case hosts the number six seed, Wabash. Last year, Wabash ended Case's season in the second round at Case. Wabash plays in the NCAC conference, therefore, Case and Wabash play a lot of similar opponents including Denison, Chicago, Kenyon, Wash U, Wooster, Oberlin and Hiram. Like Case, Wabash blew out nearly every like opponent, setting the stage for what should be a great first round matchup.

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